RRI.CO.ID, Tobelo – The joint search and rescue (SAR) team finally found the last two victims of the Mount Dukono volcanic eruption during the third day of search operations on Sunday, May 10, 2026. The two victims, both from outside Indonesia, were found dead not far from the location where the first victim had been discovered on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

The team had earlier found a dead victim identified by the initials E, an Indonesian female. With the discovery of the other two victims, all individuals who had previously been reported missing have now been found. The last two, all-male victims, were identified as HWQT, a 30-year-old, and SMBAH, a 27-year-old.

After the discovery, the team immediately evacuated the bodies and transported them to the emergency response post for the Mount Dukono eruption. They were later referred to Tobelo Regional General Hospital for identification and further handling, Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) stated on Sunday.

The victim search on the third day became more focused. The joint team had previously marked coordinates suspected to be the victims’ burial locations under volcanic sand using GPS during the previous day’s operation.

BNPB said the evacuation of the final two bodies encountered difficulties because they were buried under volcanic material of "considerable" thickness and depth. In addition, Mount Dukono’s eruptive activity was still fluctuating, forcing the team to evacuate carefully while prioritizing the safety of personnel on the ground.

During search operation, 98 personnel were deployed and divided into four teams. The units involved included Basarnas, the North Halmahera Regional Disaster Management Agency, the Indonesian Army, Navy, the Water and Air Police, the Regional Mobile Brigade Corps, the Gosowong Emergency Response Team, the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), and local residents.

During the search operation, two survivors, RS and JA, also assisted the joint SAR team by providing information about the hiking route and the victims’ last known locations before the eruption occurred. With all victims now accounted for, the BNPB said the Mount Dukono eruption SAR operation has officially been declared closed.